Labour 'doubles lead' over Tories

Labour's lead over the Conservatives has doubled since before the war in Iraq, according to a new poll

The ICM poll appeared to reflect public support for Tony Blair's handling of what was a relatively bloodless and short conflict.

The Prime Minister's approval rating has risen 27 points since February, the survey also revealed.

Asked who they would vote for if a general election were held tomorrow, 42% said Labour, up four points, while 30% said Conservative, down two points, and 21% said Liberal Democrats, down three. Labour has a 12-point lead over the Tories, compared with a six-point advantage in February.

The results will delight Labour ahead of next week's local elections.

Marginally more Tory voters, 43%, are unhappy with Iain Duncan Smith's leadership than are happy, 42%, while 23% did not have an opinion.

Charles Kennedy's opposition to the war appeared to have affected his personal rating, with the proportion of those who disapprove of the Liberal Democrat leader rising for the first time - although his net rating is still positive.

Mr Blair's net rating was +7, compared with -20 in February, while Mr Duncan Smith's was -17, up slightly from -23 in February. Mr Kennedy retains the highest personal rating with +14, although this figure was 21+ in February.

ICM interviewed 1,000 adults aged 18 and over by telephone between April 17 and 19, 2003.